An important component of the cost of a radio base station comes from to the Power Amplifier driving the array of antennas. The cost can be split in Capital and Operational expenditure, due to the high design and realization costs and low energy efficiency of the Power Amplifier respectively. Both these cost components are related to the Crest Factor of the input signal. In order to reduce both costs, it would be possible to lower the average power level of the transmitting signal, whereas in order to obtain a more efficient transmission, a more energized signal would allow the receiver to better distinguish the message from the noise and interferences. These opposed needs motivate the research and development of solutions aiming at reducing the excursion of the signal without the need of sacrificing its average power level. One of the algorithms addressing this problem is the Peak Cancellation Crest Factor Reduction. This work documents the design of a hardware implementation of such method, targeting a possible future ASIC for Ericsson AB. SystemVerilog is the Hardware Description Language used for both the design and the verification of the project, together with a MATLAB model used for both exploring some design choices and to validate the design against the output of the simulation. The two main goals of the design have been the efficient hardware exploitation, aiming to a smaller area footprint on the integrated circuit, and the adoption of some innovative design solutions in the controlling part of the design, for example the managing of the cancelling pulse coefficients and the use of a time-division multiplexing strategy to further save area on the chip. For the contexts where both the solutions could compete, the proposed one shows better results in terms of area and delay compared to the current methods in use at Ericsson and also provides innovative suggestions and ideas for further improvements. / En komponent som det är viktigt att ta hänsyn till när det kommer till en radiobasstations kostnad är förstärkaren som används för att driva antennerna. Kostnaden för förstärkaren kan delas upp i en initial kostnad relaterad till utveckling och tillverkning av kretsen, samt en löpande kostnad som är relaterad till kretsens energieffektivitet. Båda kostnaderna är kopplade till en egenskap hos förstärkarens insignal, vilken är kvoten mellan signalens maximala effekt och dess medeleffekt, såkallad toppfaktor. För att reducera dessa kostnader så är det möjligt att minska signalens medeleffekt, men en hög medeleffekt förbättrar radioöverföringen eftersom det är lättare för mottagaren att skilja en signal med hög energi från brus och interferens. Dessa två motsatta krav motiverar forskning och utveckling av lösningar för att minska signalens maximala värde utan att minska dess medeleffekt. En algoritm som kan användas för att minska signalens toppfaktor är Peak Cancellation. Den här rapporten presenterar design och hårdvaruimplementering av Peak Cancellation med avsikt att kunna användas av Ericsson AB i framtida integrerade kretsar. Det hårdvarubeskrivande språket SystemVerilog användes för både design och testning i projektet. MATLAB användes för att utforska designalternativ samt för att modellera algoritmen och jämföra utdata med hårdvaruimplementationen i simuleringar. De två huvudmålen med designen var att utnyttja hårdvaran effektivt för att nå en så liten kretsyta som möjligt och att använda en rad innovativa lösningar för kontrolldelen av designen. Exempel på innovativa designlösningar som användes är hur koefficienter för pulserna, som används för reducera toppar i signalen, hanteras och användning av tidsmultiplex för att ytterligare minska kretsytan. I användningsscenarion där båda lösningarna kan konkurrera, visar den föreslagna lösningen bättre resultat när det kommer till kretsyta och latens än nuvarande lösningar som används av Ericsson. Ges också förslag på ytterligare framtida förbättringar av implementationen.

Argon replacing nitrogen has been examined as a new engine cycle to reach high efficiency. Experiments were carried out under Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) conditions using a single cylinder variable compression ratio Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine. Isooctane has been used as the fuel for this study. All the parameters were kept fixed but the compression ratio to make the combustion phasing constant. Typical engine outputs and emissions were compared to conventional cycles with both air and synthetic air. It has been found that the compression ratio of the engine must be significantly reduced while using argon due to its higher specific heat ratio. The resulting in-cylinder pressure was lower but combustion remains aggressive. However, greater in-cylinder temperatures were reached. To an end, argon allows gains in fuel efficiency, in unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide, as well as in indicated efficiency. A higher nitrogen oxide concentration while replacing nitrogen by argon was observed but the origin remains to be identified. The concept should therefore be able to reach zero-NOx emissions as no nitrogen should be present.

Neste trabalho se desenvolve e se avalia uma metodologia para determinar a duração de combustão de alguns combustíveis em um motor padrão à combustão interna (ASTM-CFR - Cooperative Fuel Research), tendo-se em conta que a duração da combustão está relacionada com a velocidade de propagação da chama e que a relação de compressão, a condição de mistura ar-combustível e a turbulência na câmara de combustão, entre outros fatores, influenciam a duração da combustão. Assim, quanto maior a velocidade de propagação da chama, menor deverá ser o trabalho negativo necessário para comprimir a mistura antes do ponto morto superior, aumentando, assim, a eficiência do ciclo. Em cada bateria de testes, utilizou-se um combustível de composição química conhecida para seis relações de ar-combustível e quatro relações de compressão, sendo eles: o Etanol, o Metanol, o Metil Terc Butil Éter (MTBE) e compostos aromáticos como Tolueno, Etilbenzeno e Xilenos. Determinou-se o tempo de combustão dos combustíveis, em um motor CFR, em função da variação da relação de compressão e razão de mistura ar-combustível. / This work develops and evaluates a methodology to determine combustion duration for several fuels in a standard internal combustion engine (ASTM-CFR - Cooperative Fuel Research). Combustion duration is related to flame speed, compression ratio, air fuel ratio, turbulence inside the combustion chamber and some other factors. Hence, the bigger the flame speed, the smaller the negative work done by the piston to compress the mixture before top dead center, leading to a smaller heat loss during combustion and to a higher efficiency over the whole cycle. In each test batch it was used a fuel with a known chemical structure, for 6 different air fuel ratios and 4 different compression ratios. The fuels used were Ethanol, Methanol, Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and some aromatics such as Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene. The time of combustion of fuels was determined, in an engine CFR, function of the variation of the relation of compression and mixture ratio air-fuel.

Neste trabalho se desenvolve e se avalia uma metodologia para determinar a duração de combustão de alguns combustíveis em um motor padrão à combustão interna (ASTM-CFR - Cooperative Fuel Research), tendo-se em conta que a duração da combustão está relacionada com a velocidade de propagação da chama e que a relação de compressão, a condição de mistura ar-combustível e a turbulência na câmara de combustão, entre outros fatores, influenciam a duração da combustão. Assim, quanto maior a velocidade de propagação da chama, menor deverá ser o trabalho negativo necessário para comprimir a mistura antes do ponto morto superior, aumentando, assim, a eficiência do ciclo. Em cada bateria de testes, utilizou-se um combustível de composição química conhecida para seis relações de ar-combustível e quatro relações de compressão, sendo eles: o Etanol, o Metanol, o Metil Terc Butil Éter (MTBE) e compostos aromáticos como Tolueno, Etilbenzeno e Xilenos. Determinou-se o tempo de combustão dos combustíveis, em um motor CFR, em função da variação da relação de compressão e razão de mistura ar-combustível. / This work develops and evaluates a methodology to determine combustion duration for several fuels in a standard internal combustion engine (ASTM-CFR - Cooperative Fuel Research). Combustion duration is related to flame speed, compression ratio, air fuel ratio, turbulence inside the combustion chamber and some other factors. Hence, the bigger the flame speed, the smaller the negative work done by the piston to compress the mixture before top dead center, leading to a smaller heat loss during combustion and to a higher efficiency over the whole cycle. In each test batch it was used a fuel with a known chemical structure, for 6 different air fuel ratios and 4 different compression ratios. The fuels used were Ethanol, Methanol, Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and some aromatics such as Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene. The time of combustion of fuels was determined, in an engine CFR, function of the variation of the relation of compression and mixture ratio air-fuel.

Neste trabalho se desenvolve e se avalia uma metodologia para determinar a duração de combustão de alguns combustíveis em um motor padrão à combustão interna (ASTM-CFR - Cooperative Fuel Research), tendo-se em conta que a duração da combustão está relacionada com a velocidade de propagação da chama e que a relação de compressão, a condição de mistura ar-combustível e a turbulência na câmara de combustão, entre outros fatores, influenciam a duração da combustão. Assim, quanto maior a velocidade de propagação da chama, menor deverá ser o trabalho negativo necessário para comprimir a mistura antes do ponto morto superior, aumentando, assim, a eficiência do ciclo. Em cada bateria de testes, utilizou-se um combustível de composição química conhecida para seis relações de ar-combustível e quatro relações de compressão, sendo eles: o Etanol, o Metanol, o Metil Terc Butil Éter (MTBE) e compostos aromáticos como Tolueno, Etilbenzeno e Xilenos. Determinou-se o tempo de combustão dos combustíveis, em um motor CFR, em função da variação da relação de compressão e razão de mistura ar-combustível. / This work develops and evaluates a methodology to determine combustion duration for several fuels in a standard internal combustion engine (ASTM-CFR - Cooperative Fuel Research). Combustion duration is related to flame speed, compression ratio, air fuel ratio, turbulence inside the combustion chamber and some other factors. Hence, the bigger the flame speed, the smaller the negative work done by the piston to compress the mixture before top dead center, leading to a smaller heat loss during combustion and to a higher efficiency over the whole cycle. In each test batch it was used a fuel with a known chemical structure, for 6 different air fuel ratios and 4 different compression ratios. The fuels used were Ethanol, Methanol, Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and some aromatics such as Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene. The time of combustion of fuels was determined, in an engine CFR, function of the variation of the relation of compression and mixture ratio air-fuel.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Vincent R. Amanor-Boadu / Mycoplasma; it is not a household name for many Americans or people around the world, but for those in the livestock industry, it has been a major concern. Mycoplasma, a member of the class Mollicutes, has had and continues to have a major impact on the cattle, swine and poultry industry, causing conditions such as arthritis, otitis media, reduced growth rate and reduced egg production (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2011) (Okwara 2016). This class of bacteria is unlike other classes, as defined by the lack of a cell wall, and is considered by many to be the smallest self-replicating prokaryote (Jack Maniloff 1992). Due to its small size, it can reside within cells and even pass through some of the currently used sterilizing filters in the biological/pharmaceutical industry today (Pall Corporation n.d.). This creates a risk for Mycoplasma contamination for those facilities/research centers that use materials of animal origin, as Mycoplasma organisms have historically been a common contaminate of cell lines and laboratory cultures, affecting roughly 15-35% of cell cultures (Cara N. Wilder 2015). An added concern is the difficulty in treatment of infected animals once an infection is established. The Mollicutes class has been considered innately resistant to the antibiotic penicillin and other cephalosporins due to the lack of the cell wall (Jack Maniloff 1992). Due to the clinical significance and risk factors surrounding the Mollicutes class, it is a current regulatory requirement to test materials of animal origin for the presence or absence of Mycoplasma. The specific criteria for the presence or absence of Mycoplasma test is dependent upon the country in which the product is intended to be sold. For the purposes of this study, the required method and products will be for those intended for sale domestically in the United States, or countries accepting US methodologies. To test a material or product for the presence or absence of Mycoplasma according to the current USDA code of federal regulations (CFR), the method is not a rapid procedure or a simple traditional broth inoculation. The domestic method is a minimum 24 day test that requires complex broth and agar media for Mycoplasma recovery. The complex media requirement is due to the fact that Mycoplasma organisms have stringent nutritional requirements due to their simplified cell structure/genome, which often require materials of animal origin, such as serums for lipid supply/metabolism (Jack Maniloff 1992). The 24 day Mycoplasma test requires an initial inoculation into the aforementioned broth and agar media and then 4 subsequent subcultures from the broth media onto the agar media at specified time intervals. All of the broth and agar media plates are incubated at specific atmospheric conditions and temperature for the duration of the test. The initial inoculation and subcultures are all examined by a trained Microbiologist at specific time intervals to search for evidence of viable Mycoplasma growth. The examination by a trained Microbiologist/technician is a vital step as Mycoplasmas do not produce turbidity in media, such as in traditional bacterial growth, nor are they visible by traditional light microscopy (Farzaneh 2011). If a Mycoplasma contamination is found, a biological/pharmaceutical company can pay huge sums of money to investigate the cause of the contamination, initiate corrective action, decontaminate the facility and destroy impacted batches. As evidenced by the above description, Mycoplasma testing places a large burden on a biological/pharmaceutical production facility or even research institutions. The complex media and labor cost for the 24 day test is extensive, which must be repeated for each batch of new material received or produced. The cost skyrockets if any contamination event occurs or even appears to occur, as investigation and decontamination add cost due to delay of release or possible destruction.

Future internal combustion engines demand higher efficiency but progression towards this is limited by the phenomenon called knock. A possible solution for reaching high efficiency will be to improve the anti-knock quality of the fuels by blending high-octane fuel with a low-octane fuel. In this study, the non-linear blending effect by blending oxygenated/non-oxygenated fuels of high octane number with low octane fuels were studied in three different combustion modes: Spark ignition (SI), Homogeneous Charge Compression ignition (HCCI) and Compression Ignition (CI). For SI combustion, RON and MON was used for the fuel rating, for HCCI combustion, Lund Chevron HCCI fuel number and for rich combustion conditions, Derived Cetane Number (DCN) was used to understand the fuel auto-ignition behavior. A Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine was used for SI and HCCI mode whereas Ignition Quality Tester (IQT) was used for CI mode. The non-linear blending behavior was described using the concept of blending octane number. Five octane additives including ethanol, methanol, 1-butanol, toluene and iso-octane were used in this study, of which ethanol and methanol gave the strongest octane enhancement effect whereas iso-octane resulted in the weakest octane enhancement. The base fuel composition and octane number also had an important role in the blending behavior of the fuels. The non-linear blending of fuels highlighted that some of the blended fuels behaved similarly in both SI and HCCI combustion mode, therefore the study was further extended to understand the pre-spark heat release or Low temperature heat release (LTHR) in both the combustion modes. Knock occurs in SI due to end-gas auto-ignition and for HCCI, the combustion is controlled by auto-igniting of the complete charge inside the cylinder. Therefore fundamentally the combustion process in the end gas region of SI and HCCI combustion modes is controlled by auto-ignition. In this respect, HCCI combustion was used as an alternative path to understand the end-gas auto-ignition in SI engine using the standard CFR engine. Pre-spark heat release or low temperature reactions were detected in both the combustion modes.

I detta arbete undersöks Incoterms® 2010 maritima villkor, FAS. Framförallt hur det kommer sig att den inte används lika ofta som de övriga samt vad som är avgörande vid valet av villkor. Undersökningen genomfördes med en kvalitativ ansats och data samlades in genom litteraturstudie samt två kvalitativa intervjuer: en företagsrepresentant och en sakkunnig inom logistikrätt. En teorigenomgång av både allmän karaktär av Incoterms® samt tidigare forskning kring dess användning blev grunden till det teoretiska ramverket. Resultatet visar flera olika faktorer till att FAS inte används lika ofta som de övriga villkoren. De mest framträdande faktorerna är riskövergången, brytpunkter, betalning samt okunskap. / This work presents a study of the Incoterms® 2010 seaterm, FAS. The main questions are; why is it not used as often as the other terms for sea transportation, and, what are the main decisions when choosing Incoterms®. The study was carried out with a qualitative approach and data were collected through a literature study and two qualitative interviews; one with a company representative, and one who is an expert in logistics law. A theoretical review of Incoterms® and previous research, constructs the theoretical framework used. The result show several aspects for FAS not being used as often as the other terms. Most common aspects are; passing of risk, break point, payment and lack of knowledge.

I detta arbete undersöks Incoterms® 2010 maritima villkor, FAS. Framförallt hur det kommer sig att den inte används lika ofta som de övriga samt vad som är avgörande vid valet av villkor. Undersökningen genomfördes med en kvalitativ ansats och data samlades in genom litteraturstudie samt två kvalitativa intervjuer: en företagsrepresentant och en sakkunnig inom logistikrätt. En teorigenomgång av både allmän karaktär av Incoterms® samt tidigare forskning kring dess användning blev grunden till det teoretiska ramverket. Resultatet visar flera olika faktorer till att FAS inte används lika ofta som de övriga villkoren. De mest framträdande faktorerna är riskövergången, brytpunkter, betalning samt okunskap. / This work presents a study of the Incoterms® 2010 seaterm, FAS. The main questions are; why is it not used as often as the other terms for sea transportation, and, what are the main decisions when choosing Incoterms®. The study was carried out with a qualitative approach and data were collected through a literature study and two qualitative interviews; one with a company representative, and one who is an expert in logistics law. A theoretical review of Incoterms® and previous research, constructs the theoretical framework used. The result show several aspects for FAS not being used as often as the other terms. Most common aspects are; passing of risk, break point, payment and lack of knowledge.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to determine how P nutrition affects biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) via effects on the N2-fixing bacteria in the nodules of Virgilia species native to the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa. This was evaluated in 3 separate studies: The first study aimed to determine how phosphorus deficiency affects N nutrition of two legume tree species from the Mediterranean Fynbos ecosystem. This study showed that during prolonged P deficiency, V. divaricata maintained a constant biomass, while V. oroboides showed a decreased biomass. V. oroboides showed a decrease in nutritional concentrations, which resulted in the decrease of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF). Both plants utilized atmospheric N more efficiently per nodule under P deficiency. Maximum photosynthesis decreased in V. oroboides, while V. divaricata maintained its photosynthesis. Both species also had greater carbon construction costs during P deficiency. V. divaricata showed clear adaptive features during P-deficiency, as it maintained its growth respiration. The two legume species appear to have different adaptations to P deficiency, which may influence their performance and distribution in their naturally low P environment. The second study aimed to evaluate if soil environmental conditions and mineral nutrient concentration play a major role in microbial communities in plant rhizosphere and nodulation during N2 fixation in legumes. Therefore this study firstly aimed to determine the composition of the N2 fixing bacterial population in the rhizosphere and nodules of V. divaricata. Secondly, it aimed to determine the contribution of these bacteria to N2 fixation during conditions of P deficiency in the Fynbos environment. In the study, the effects of phosphate (P) nutrition on N2 fixing bacterial community structures in Virgilia divaricata rhizosphere and nodules were examined in a pot experiment. V. divaricata were germinated in Fynbos soil as natural inoculum, transferred to clean sand cultures and supplied with 500 μM P and 5 μM P. The N2 fixing bacterial communities in the rhizosphere and nodules were examined based on the PCR-DGGE banding patterns of 16S rDNA and sequencing methods. The GenBank blast results revealed that V divaricata was efficiently nodulated by a wide range of root-nodule bacterial strains, including Burkholderia phytofirmans, Burkholderia sp. and Bradyrhizobium sp. during low P supply. The 15N natural abundance data also confirmed that 40-50% of the N nutrition was acquired through symbiotic N2 fixation. This is not only evidence of nodulation, but also an indication of the adaptation of a range of N2 fixing bacterial strains / species to the nutrient poor, sandy, acidic soil of the Mediterranean-type ecosystems of the Fynbos. The third study examined the physiological effects, such as N2 fixation parameters, plant dependence on N2 fixation, N preference, legume plant growth, carbon costs and amino acid biosynthesis during P deficiency and mineral N supply as NH4NO3 in a slow-growing, Fynbos legume tree, Virgilia divaricata. Continued application of NH4NO3 to the legume plant showed a greater increase in plant dry matter compared to plants with two nitrogen sources (mineral N and atmospheric N2) or plants that relied on atmospheric N2 fixation. Carbon construction costs were more pronounced in plants supplied with two N sources and during P deficiency. Maximum photosynthetic rates per leaf area increased during prolonged P deficiency, irrespective of the N sources. Though plants nodulated, plant dependence on N2 fixation decreased with the addition of NH4NO3. Roots and nodules of the P deficient plants showed an increase in asparagine content, most strikingly so in plants treated with a single source of N. These studies reveal that different legume species of the same genus, may employ contrasting adaptations in order to maintain N nutrition under P deficiency. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was die bepaling van die wyse waarop fosfaat (P) voeding die biologiese stikstof binding (BNF) deur middel van die effek op N2-bindingsbakterië in die wortelknoppies van Virgilia spesies wat inheems tot die Kaap floraryke area (CFR), Suid Afrika is, affekteer. Drie aparte eksperimente is uitgevoer om die doel te evalueer: Die eerste studie het gepoog om te bepaal hoe 'n fosfaat tekort N voeding van twee peulplant spesies van die Mediterreense Fynbos ekosisteem affekteer. Hierdie studie het getoon dat V. divaricata 'n konstante biomassa tydens verlengde P tekort behou, terwyl V. oroboides ‟n verlaagde biomassa getoon het. V. oroboides het 'n verlaging in voedingskonsentrasies getoon, wat tot 'n verlaging in simbiotiese stikstof binding (SNF) gelei het. Beide plante benut atmosferiese N meer doeltreffend per nodule tydens P tekort. Die maksimum fotosintese in V. oroboides het afgeneem, terwyl V. divaricata sy fotosintese gehandhaaf het. Beide spesies het ook 'n groter koolstof konstruksie koste tydens P tekort gehad. V. divaricata toon duidelike aanpassingsmeganismes tydens P-tekort, aangesien hierdie species sy groei respirasie konhandhaaf. Dit wil voorkom asof die twee peulplant spesies verskillend aangepas is vir P tekort, wat hulle producksie en verspreiding in hulle natuurlike lae P omgewing mag beïnvloed. Die doel van die tweede studie was om te bepaal of grond omgewingskondisies en minerale voedingskonsentrasie 'n belangrike rol speel in die mikrobiese gemeenskappe in die plant risofeer en wortelknoppie vorming tydens N2 binding in peulgewasse. Eerstens het die studie dus gepoog om die samestelling van die N2 bindende bakteriële populasie in die risosfeer en die wortelknoppies van V. divaricata te bepaal. Ten tweede, is die bydrae van die bakterië tot N2-binding tydens P tekort kondisies in die Fynbos omgewing bepaal. In die studie is die effek van fosfaat (P) voeding op die N2-bindende bakteriële gemeenskapstrukture in die Virgilia divaricata risofeer en wortelknoppies in 'n pot eksperiment ondersoek. V. divaricata sade is in fynbos grond as 'n natuurlike inokulum ontkiem, waarna dit na skoon sand kulture oorgedra is en van 500 μM P en 5 μM P voorsien is. Die N2-bindende bakteriële gemeenskappe in die risofeer en wortelknoppies is op grond van die PCR-DGGE band patrone van die 16S rDNA en volgorde bepalingsmetodes ondersoek. Die GenBank Blast resultate het getoon dat V. divaricata doeltreffend deur 'n wye reeks wortel-wortelknoppie bakteriële stamme genoduleer is, insluitende insluitende Burkholderia phytofirmans, Burkholderia sp. en Bradyrhizobium sp. tydens lae P toediening. Die natuurlike 15N voorkoms data het ook bevestig dat 40-50% van die N voeding deur simbiotiese N2 binding bekom is. Dit dien nie net as bewys vir wortelknoppie vorming nie, maar ook 'n aanduiding van die aanpassing van 'n reeks N2 bindende bakteriële stamme/ spesies tot die voedingsarme, sanderige, suur grond van die Mediterreanse ekosisteem van die Fynbos. Die derde studie het die fisiologiese effekte soos bv. N2 fikserings faktore, die afhanklikheid van plante op N2 fiksering, N voorkeur, peulgewas groei, koolstof kostes en aminosuur biosintese tydens P tekort en minerale N toediening soos NH4NO3 in 'n stadig-groeiende, Fynbos peulgewasboom, Virgilia divaricata ondersoek. Volgehoue toediening van NH4NO3 aan die peulplant toon 'n groter toename in plant droë weefsel. Tydens P tekort is die koolstof bou koste meer verhoog in plante wat met twee N bronne voorsien is. Tydens verlengde P tekort het die maksimum fotosintese tempo per blaaroppervlakte toegeneem, ongeag die N bron. Alhoewel die plante wortelknoppies gevorm het, het die plant se afhanklikheid van N2 binding tydens die toediening van NH4NO3 afgeneem. Wortels en wortelknoppies van die P tekort plante het 'n toename in asparagien inhoud getoon, veral in die plante wat met 'n enkele bron van N behandel is. / The DST/NRF-Center of Excellence for Tree Health and Biotechnology, based at the University of Pretoria, for their financial support